P0336: Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance
The crankshaft position sensor is sending a signal, but it is noisy, missing pulses or not matching what the computer expects.
What P0336 means
P0336 means the crank sensor signal is present but not right. The computer counts the teeth it sees on the crankshaft reluctor ring and expects a specific pattern, usually including a gap that marks top dead center. If teeth seem to be missing, extra pulses appear, or the pattern does not line up with the camshaft signal, it sets P0336. RepairPal lists the same family of causes as P0335: a failing sensor, faulty wiring or connections, a defective camshaft sensor and rough running. A damaged tone ring is also a real possibility, especially after engine or transmission work where the ring can be bent or the wrong part installed. Electrical noise from nearby plug wires or a damaged shield can create false pulses. Shops look at the sensor waveform on a scope, compare crank and cam signals and inspect the tone ring if needed. Because the engine can stall without warning, this is not a code to put off.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Intermittent stalling
- Hard starting or long cranking
- Misfire or stumble
- Erratic tachometer
Most common causes
- Failing crankshaft position sensor
- Damaged or missing teeth on the reluctor ring
- Wiring interference or poor shielding
- Loose connector
- Faulty camshaft position sensor
- Wrong replacement sensor or reluctor after repairs
What to check yourself first
Check whether the code appeared after recent engine work, such as a timing belt or clutch job, which can damage or misplace the sensor or tone ring. Inspect the sensor connector and wiring. Note any stalling pattern, like only when hot.
Typical fixes and what they cost
| Fix | Typical cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Replace crankshaft position sensor | $230-$335 | The common fix when the signal waveform shows dropouts. |
| Electrical diagnosis to find a wiring or connector fault | $122-$179 | For wiring near spark plug wires or the alternator that can pick up electrical noise. |
| Replace camshaft position sensor | $224-$326 | If the cam sensor signal is the real source of the mismatch. |
Typical US price ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. Your shop should confirm the cause with a diagnostic before replacing parts.
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Related codes
- P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit
- P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
- P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
- P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)